Over four years ago I wrote Managing a serious job search can be a serious mess, talking about managing my own job search.

Four years later, it's still a serious issue.  As I travel and speak around the country I come across people who are frustrated at the amount of stuff they are trying to keep up with, and the length of the job search.

I find other people who have learned that even after they land their next job, even if it is their dream job, they know there is stuff they should keep track of, to keep up with their network, and even prepare for a future transition.

What are we organizing in a job search?  Here are the big three things:

1. Network Contacts
2. Target Companies
3. Jobs you apply to (or are interested in)

If you have a spreadsheet, or a sticky note system, or a legal pad, those are the three main things you are probably tracking.  You'll track:

• Regular information, like contact information, notes about people, companies, jobs. etc.
• Followup information: when you need to followup or reach out  
• Relationship information: how does one (or five) contacts relate to a company, or a posting?  In other words, you'll note that John Doe, who you met last night, knows someone who can help you network into Costco, or something like that.
• Communications you have, whether they are phone calls, face-to-face conversations, emails, interviews, etc.

There is more to keep track of!  You can track:

• Your thirty second elevator pitches, and how you'll respond to interview questions
• Job search expenses, which might be tax deductible
• Communications you have with a job search coach, including what you need to work on and any action items you decide to pursue.

There are more things you can track... I go back to my message from over four years ago: managing a job search can be a serious mess... unless you have the right tools.

There are a number of job search tracking systems available.  My system,JibberJobber.com, came out over 5 years ago and has pioneered this area for you.  Alternatives include a half-dozen startups that came out after mine, as well as spreadsheets or manual paper systems.  

Whatever you use, realize you might use it for many, many months, and the amount of complexity will only grow with time.  Get a system, use it, and you'll be more in-control of your job search.